"Key players" - England could be without SIX players for World Cup opener against Argentina

Farrell will miss England's first two World Cup pool games after World Rugby successfully appealed against the decision to overturn his red card. The England captain's four-game ban means he will miss the group matches against Argentina and Japan, with two warm-up fixtures also included.

Farrell became the first England player to receive a red card from rugby's new 'bunker' review system when he made a high tackle on Taine Basham during England's 19-17 win over Wales on 12 August.

The appeal committee found that, in their original hearing, the disciplinary committee should have considered Farrell's attempt to wrap his opponent in the tackle. 

Therefore the appeal committee determined that no mitigation could be made for the tackle, and the decision to overturn the red card was an error - which led them to ban Farrell.

Curry sustained the injury in training earlier this month and hasn't featured in any of England's World Cup warm-up matches. There are reports he could still be replaced in the squad if he shows no progress in the next week.

His red card against Ireland came as a result of a high challenge on Andrew Porter, for which he initially received a yellow card before it was elevated to a red. The subsequent three-game ban could potentially be reduced to two if Vunipola successfully completes the World Rugby coaching program focused on tackling.

Reportedly, Sinckler is dealing with a chest issue that has rendered him unavailable for Saturday's game against Fiji. There is a sense of optimism within the England camp regarding his recovery in time for the commencement of the World Cup. In light of this situation, Leicester's Joe Heyes, a forward, has been summoned to join the team as a prospective stand-in.

Participated in the initial pair of matches but subsequently suffered a knee injury, sidelining him since then. Showed remarkable energy in the Cardiff game, yet an ongoing discussion centres around whether he stands as the superior choice for the Rugby World Cup compared to the omitted Jonny Hill.

Returning to action following an earlier year injury-induced absence, he demonstrated flashes of brilliance during the initial stages of the two matches he kicked off – one at home against Wales and the other away against Ireland.

Regrettably, those performances lost momentum as the games progressed, marked by instances of missed tackles and turnovers, notably apparent in the face-off with the Irish side.

Unfortunately, he sustained a knee injury during that particular game, casting uncertainty over his availability for the World Cup. However, a recent squad update on Sunday put those doubts to rest, confirming his inclusion in the traveling squad.